Maine Grains, Inc.

Maine Grains is an award-winning stone-ground grain mill located in Skowhegan, Maine, operating out of a repurposed Victorian-era county jailhouse. Founded in 2012 by Amber Lambke and Michael Scholz, the company produces freshly-milled, organic and heritage grain products sourced exclusively from farms in the Northeast United States. Its product lineup includes a wide range of stone-ground flours, rolled oats, cracked grains, whole grains, and beans, all milled using modern equipment rooted in traditional methods to preserve maximum flavor and nutritional integrity.

The company sources its grains directly from local Maine and Northeast regional farms, supporting a revitalized regional grain economy that had largely disappeared over the 20th century. Somerset County, where Skowhegan is located, was historically the bread basket of New England, producing nearly 240,000 bushels of wheat per year at its peak in 1837. Maine Grains has played a central role in restoring that agricultural heritage, having purchased over $1,000,000 worth of Maine-grown grain by 2019 and supplying bakeries, restaurants, chefs, and breweries throughout the Northeast.

Maine Grains specializes in organic and heritage grain varieties, with a strong emphasis on traceability from farm to mill to consumer. The facility operates as a zero-waste mill, routing byproducts such as chaff and mill dust to composters, livestock farmers, and value-added food producers. This closed-loop operational model reflects a deep commitment to holistic supply chain management and community-centered agriculture.

The mill has become an internationally recognized model for relocalizing grain economies, drawing attention from communities around the globe seeking to restore regional food production systems. Skowhegan has established itself as one of the country's emerging rural food hubs, in large part due to Maine Grains' influence. The company actively supports village bakeries, craft breweries, and family farms as part of a broader mission to rebuild the cultural and economic infrastructure around whole grain foods.

Maine Grains sells direct-to-consumer through its online store with free shipping on qualifying orders, and also serves wholesale accounts including professional bakers, chefs, and craft beverage producers. Its product range spans retail and foodservice channels, making it a versatile supplier for both CPG brands and culinary professionals seeking high-quality, regionally sourced grain ingredients. The company is rooted in the belief that freshly milled, whole grain foods are foundational to both human health and thriving local food economies.